WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.
Common Insects and Mites: Earwigs
categories: Common Insects and Mites Common Problems
revision date: 2024-06-12 08:53
Photo by: T. Hudson
Biology
Earwigs are reddish-brown insects about 3/4 inch or less in length. Both males and females have pincers at the rear end. Earwigs are largely beneficial, feeding on many pests such as aphids (including apple aphids), mites, and nematodes, as well as on algae, fungi, and decaying plant material. However, earwigs can also damage plants. They sometimes feed on flowers, shoot tips, leaves, or fruit. Damaged shoot tips may fail to develop properly, sometimes stunting growth. Damaged leaves exhibit small to large holes. Fruit damage consists of shallow, irregular areas chewed into the surface.
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Rolled newspapers or flat boards placed beneath trees can serve both as monitoring devices and as traps for earwigs, which prefer narrow, enclosed hiding places.
- Remove tree wraps, which may provide shelter for earwigs.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
None recommended.
Additional Image
Photo by: M. Bush
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.
Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.